Matthew 25:43
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Original Language Analysis
ξένος
a stranger
G3581
ξένος
a stranger
Strong's:
G3581
Word #:
1 of 19
foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνηγάγετέ
in
G4863
συνηγάγετέ
in
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
5 of 19
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιεβάλετέ
ye clothed
G4016
περιεβάλετέ
ye clothed
Strong's:
G4016
Word #:
10 of 19
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
ἀσθενὴς
sick
G772
ἀσθενὴς
sick
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
12 of 19
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φυλακῇ
prison
G5438
φυλακῇ
prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
15 of 19
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Jesus's indictment mirrors the prophets' social justice oracles. Ezekiel condemned shepherds who fed themselves but not the flock: 'The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye... bound up that which was broken' (Ezekiel 34:4). Isaiah's famous rebuke: 'Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness... deal thy bread to the hungry... bring the poor that are cast out to thy house... cover the naked' (Isaiah 58:6-7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does failure to welcome strangers reflect underlying tribalism or nationalism that contradicts the gospel?
- What does systematic neglect of the vulnerable reveal about the reality (or unreality) of professed faith?
- In what ways do Christian communities today exclude the very people Christ identifies with?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in (ξένος ἤμην καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, xenos ēmēn kai ou synēgagete me)—The verb synagō means to gather together, to receive into community. They excluded Christ by excluding the stranger. This condemns ethnic/tribal Christianity that draws boundaries around 'our kind.'
Naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not (γυμνὸς καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με, ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, gymnos kai ou periebalete me, asthenēs kai en phylakē kai ouk epeskepsasthe me)—The accumulation of negations creates relentless condemnation. These aren't extraordinary demands but basic human decency, which faith should intensify, not diminish.